Who holds the reins of power in Palestinian football?

Football, the world's most popular sport, often mirrors the political conflicts of the regions where it is played.

For Palestinians grappling with Israeli occupation, the sport has always meant more than mere competition. From FIFA’s recognition of a Zionist-led “Palestine” team to a threatened village pitch in the occupied West Bank, the tale reveals how football turned into yet another arena of struggle over land, identity, and representation, as Al Jazeera’s Leila Warah reports.

By Leila Warah

Published On 19 Jul 202619 Jul 2026

The involvement of international bodies like FIFA in recognizing national teams underlines the complex interplay between sports and politics. As the situation evolves, decisions made by football's governing bodies continue to shape both the game and the broader Palestinian struggle for recognition and rights.